Try the Whitewater Rafting Center....rafting, rock climbing, hiking, etc...

....oh ya, if you are into wine and vineyards, drive up to the Yadkin Valley and visit a few vineyards....Raffaldini is great.

Carowinds is roughly equivalent to King's Dominion. I would say N. Myrtle, or, even closer, try Boone/Blowing Rock.Plenty to do either place although you might feel a little young in Blowing Rock. Happy Birthday!

I just got back from Asheville. Is a very small town, lots and lots of and lots of hippies, but nice restaurants and very nice scenery, is about 2 hours away. I'm not sure if it's the 21st b-day type thing, but depends on your interests. Speedpark is fun for a few hours, but if you want more of an all day thing, I would go to Carowinds. I would not drive to KD, been there many times as a kid (from Maryland), I would think Carowinds would have the same effect. If you want to go to the beach, you could go to Wilmington or Myrtle. There is also Folly Beach near Charleston that is really nice (but with any of the beaches are looking at a 3.5-4 hour drive).

You could do something silly like mine for Gold and Reed's Gold Mine... Stay downtown and enjoy some nightlife. It really all depends on what you are into.

You have some great ideas and some great ones have been given to you.

I agree about Carowinds. Why go 3+ hours away when you have Carowinds in Charlotte.

I also agree with the person who mentioned going to the wineries. Yadkin/Wilkes and Forsyth have some great places to visit. We love Raffaldini too!! Awesome wine and wonderful view. Another good one is Hanover Park. Not a great few but a lot of wines to taste and some good ones to buy. Another fav of mine is the oldest one in the area, Westbend.